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The best apps for iPads.

Last updated:
8 June 2016

Every type of iPad - from the new iPad mini 4 to iPad Air - is crying out for beautifully designed apps that really play to the device’s strengths. That lovely big screen and all that extra power, you need something that’s made for iPad, right?

We’ve searched far and wide to find a handful of apps that really make the most of the iPad’s unique design. Here’s our pick of the best…

Developers get ready to code on-the-go. Panic’s lauded Coda, a self-described ‘portable text editor’, helps you manage websites via your devices. Although its latest update includes iPhone functionality, it was originally designed for the more spacious iPad. It’s functional, fun and beautifully designed. Plus, considering how useful it is, pretty reasonably priced.

What’s fiddly on your phone becomes fun and easy on your iPad and writing is no exception. If you’ve always wanted to write a diary, but have never had the time or discipline, then this journal app will be a great investment. The gorgeous design is only part of the fun; it links up with calendars, social apps for sharing and your camera, so you can add photos to your stories. Plus, it’s all backed up on the cloud. Not the kind of journal you can leave on a bus and mourn for the rest of your life.

Photo editing is just normal now. Even #nofilter enthusiasts will do a cheeky crop every now and then. Of course, Enlight is a little bit special – allowing you to really transform an image in quite complex ways. It’s like an easy-to-use Photoshop and features include image merging and transforming photos into paintings.

Love using your iPad in your leisure time, but hate knowing that it’s just sitting there in your bag during your work day? This app might actually make your iPad super useful – even if you’re not technically using it. The interface displays anything you might need to glance at as you work – whether that’s the time, charts, news tweets, calendar entries and even a photo slide show.

iPadComic fans, get excited. Madefire takes viewing comics to a new level with motion, sound and interactive experiences. It’s amazing to see an app developed that really uses the iPad’s beautiful display and capabilities to improve how people view content. With some old favourites and amazing new comic creators features, it’s one to get stuck into ASAP.

Some people say that staring at a screen all day can make your brain turn to mush. Well, not if you’re using Elevate. One of the most stunningly designed apps on our list is this quirkily illustrated app, which gives you fun brain-training exercises in different categories – including numeracy, literacy and memory.

Are you the kind of person who clicks through thousands of articles every day, but has no idea where to find them ever again? Flipboard might be your app soulmate. It cleverly works out what kind of content you like and feeds you a curated stream of articles, videos and images that suit your taste – displayed gorgeously with high-res photography that resembles a posh magazine. You can personalise and add preferences as you go. Soon, it’ll be your one-stop-shop for news and entertainment.

If you have any other apps that you’d recommend for iPads, tweet @ThreeUK with your suggestions.